And he has revealed he took action himself this week to quell anti-social behaviour outside Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Mr Mallon spelled out at yesterday's meeting of the council's Executive Board his support for the concept of street wardens and alleygates.

But he reiterated no new wardens should be recruited until his "radical and revolutionary" plan to tackle all community safety issues is finalised.

"There is a great big community safety agenda out there and we all have to do our little bit," said the Mayor.

He said the previous day he and John Richardson, the corporate director for the environment, saw a 20-strong group of 11 to 19-year-olds outside the Town Hall.

"They were making a nuisance of themselves. A police officer walked past, acknowledged them, and did nothing. I intervened. The youths were friendly and they got up and walked away. They were very nice.

"When I walk round I see people not doing their bit. Responsibility for doing something rests not just on people such as the council or the police but with everyone," said the Mayor.